ARJEN Robben was Bayern Munich’s Champions League saviour once more – but he was still forced to apologise after the 1-0 win in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Lyon.

Robben, whose goals against Fiorentina and Manchester United enabled Bayern to advance to the last four, netted the only goal at the Allianz Arena but then fell foul of coach Louis van Gaal by reacting petulantly to his late withdrawal.

The pair had a face-to-face confrontation on the touchline as Robben ignored Van Gaal’s outstretched hand.

Van Gaal blocked his countryman and held him firmly while explaining his reasons for bringing him off. Robben said his reaction was born of frustration. “I felt I could’ve scored another goal,” he added. “I could not understand why I was being removed. But I have to apologise to all of the fans because I shouldn’t do that. I should have been more professional, but this is just part of my mentality – I always want to win.”

Van Gaal said Robben had been taken off to preserve him for tomorrow's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Moenchenglad-bach.“We need him to score goals for us in Moenchengladbach too,” he said.

UEFA will decide next Wednesday if Bayern’s Franck Ribery will face any more than a one-game ban for his red card against Lyon.